It is the beginning of April, which means it is officially “Alcohol Awareness Month.” This special month is a focus of the Mental Health Services Administration and U.S. Health and Human Services Substance Abuse, with the goal of heightening awareness to the problem of alcohol abuse.
In anticipation of the month, the National Beer Wholesalers Association has made several announcements. The Association says, for example, that alcohol usage is not for everyone. The Association recognizes the need to effectively regulate alcohol in order to prevent abuse and to keep alcohol from being sold to and consumed by underage individuals. The NBWA encourages parents, community leaders, educators and other members of the community to encourage legal and responsible consumption of alcohol only by those of legal age.
The organization also asking that people make use of resources offered by SAMHSA to educate young people regarding the dangers associated with underage drinking and then getting behind the wheel. This practice is arguably more dangerous than drinking and driving by people of legal drinking age. The combination of an inexperienced driver, who is still getting comfortable with driving, and intoxication is clearly a recipe for disaster. Not only can serious accidents and injuries result from underage driving under the influence, but it is also illegal.
Virginia drivers who cause injurious drunk driving accidents can be held criminally responsible in court. Furthermore, injured parties can hold them financially responsible in civil court. For example, plaintiffs in civil actions can seek money to pay for their medical care, property damage, disabilities, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, legal fees and more.
Source: Brewbound, “America’s Beer Distributors Recognize National Alcohol Awareness Month,” March 31, 2016